Road test: Skoda Yeti Elegance Greenline

Driving a car for longer than the usual week-long road test allows otherwise hidden qualities to shine through, as is the case with Skoda’s superbly versatile Yeti.

I’ve clocked up a few thousand miles in the Greenline version claimed to produce 104bhp from its 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, and have come to rely on the fact that while it performs dutifully in town it is lots of fun to drive on the open road, too.

In London, I value the fact that it seats four — or five — and their luggage comfortably, while still being easy to park, place in traffic, and live with. I like the big tailgate that works as an umbrella while you’re loading and the clever stowage touches in the big boot. Storage inside is good, too.

On the open road, it’s pleasing when the car comes to life. Suspension that can seem over-harsh (at the rear) over town road humps delivers a great ride.